On what would have been his 72nd birthday, Linda Hogan has shared a simple and heartfelt tribute to her late ex-husband, the iconic Hulk Hogan. Her post is a poignant look back at the beginning of their decades-long and often-tumultuous relationship.
The wrestling world continues to mourn the loss of “The Hulkster,” who passed away on July 24 at the age of 71. Linda’s message is the latest in a series of public tributes from the Hogan family.
A Simple, Heartfelt Message
On Monday, August 11th, Linda Hogan took to her Instagram account to post a framed throwback photo. The picture, dated 1981, shows a young Hulk and Linda in a loving embrace.
Her caption was short, direct, and full of emotion. “Me and Hulkster .. 1981 Happy Birthday Terry .. I love and miss you so much ..” she wrote. Her use of his real name, Terry, was a touching and personal note to the man she was married to for 24 years.
A Love Lived in the Spotlight
For years, the world had a front-row seat to the lives of Hulk and Linda Hogan. Their family was the subject of the hit VH1 reality show, Hogan Knows Best, which chronicled their daily lives and showcased their family dynamic to millions of viewers. Linda was by her husband’s side for the biggest moments of his career, from the peak of Hulkamania to his reinvention in the nWo.
However, their life in the spotlight was followed by a very public and acrimonious divorce, which was finalized in 2009. In a previous, longer statement following his death, Linda was candid about the deep pain his infidelity caused her, but also her enduring love for him.
A Time Before Hulkamania
The 1981 photo that Linda shared is particularly significant. It captures a moment in time before the explosion of global fame that would come with “Hulkamania” in 1984. It is a picture of a young couple at the beginning of their journey together, long before the championships, the reality shows, and the controversies.
Linda’s simple birthday message cuts through the noise and complexity of their public lives. It is a beautiful and sad reminder of the real human connection that was at the heart of one of wrestling’s most famous and turbulent relationships.
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